Goodbye to an Old Friend and Hello to a New One...

Back in 2016 I purchased a new to me 2014 TX Series Baja Tacoma. A smoking deal on a decked out 2.5 Gen was exactly what I was looking for and over the past few years, I built her up. Off roading and camping trips; I kept adding on to make her mine the best I could. I drove this rig through nearly two dozen states, wheeling and camping. Unfortunately, last month while driving home from work, a 17 year old caused a multi car accident and my Taco was one of the casualties...

A net total of $24k in damage, I'm certain the armor on her was the reason I walked away from this accident. It's just a shame that I was initially hit directly in the front driver's side wheel.

This wasn't my first build, but likely my most involved. She was stock when I got her and not so much at the time of her demise.

 

Where's the new truck???

 

Man what a shame, gorgeous rig! Always good to hear people walking away from wrecks like that. Glad everyone's okay, frustrating knowing that the most likely cause of an accident is going to be someone else on the road's fault.

 

Honda Ridgeline ?

 

After the settlement, I went looking for a new rig. I looked for a 200 series Cruiser, but I'm not going to find one right now. So, I looked at 4skinners and Tundras and even drove a couple of 3rd TRD Offroad Tacos. To say I was skeptical on 3rd Gens would be an understatement, but after driving a few it began to feel like an old hat. I found the driving dynamics better than what I expected and the interior is much better. Far more comfortable with more amenities, but not so much that it distracted from it feeling like a Taco. Yesterday, I found a 2019 TRD Pro and I couldn't pass up the deal. I got her for significantly less than other dealerships with a clean bill of health and 40k miles on the odometer. The Fox suspension still feels good and I don't mind swapping if need be. I haven't noticed anything odd about the shifting on the highway either. I'm looking forward to this new Taco and eventually... a new build.

 

Ok I just saw 2020 OR and MT so you're all set!

 

R.I.P. old friend

Hello new friend

 

No and I don't understand the move to that vehicle either. The old Ridgelines, perhaps, but the new ones are not my jam.

 

Via con dios

Congrats on the new rig. Were you able to strip.some mids from the old one?

 

I stripped everything I could off her.

I'm about to post to the classifieds the ARB Bumper w/ Slee Insert Upgrades, My backup Mobtown Hybrid bumper (never mounted), CBI Prinsu Rack. The SCS Ray Tens in Bronze were trashed on the drivers side and I couldn't recover the suspension.

 

Sorry to see the 2nd Gen go, but welcome to the 3rd Gen club! That's a beautiful 2019. Respect for keeping the white as well, that's always a slick color.

Glad you're OK. Here's to many more safe travels!

 

Glad you weren't hurt. Welcome to the 3rd Gen group! Nice truck!

 

You'll love the 3rd Gen, same torque (they'll debate) and more HP and a minivan engine. Keep turning the screws and there's more mods, to boot!

 

Suitable replacement IMO. I think you will find you like it for different reasons.

 

Glad the taco kept you safe, I'm sure the new one will do the same.

 

When you get around to posting, mind sharing the link here? I'm in the market for a front and rear bumper.

A real shame about the truck, by the way. The photos hurt to look at...

 

BIG SAD. That's a nice truck - I lost my '96 last week when a high speed kid in a '06 Scion spun out on the interstate. He passed me while spinning. I feel your pain. Glad you are OK, I hope the new Tacoma is awesome too.

 

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/texas-classifieds-2-0-read-post-1.620549/page-571#post-26220687

I appreciate it. Sounds like you had almost the exact same thing happen to you that happened to me.

 

“Look what they did to my boy!!!”

Nice new truck though

 

This is one reason why I don’t want to mod. Time and money wasted because of someone else’s carelessness.

congrats on the new truck!